More West Nile virus found in mosquitoes

Deadly disease spotted in two species

Vermont health officials have found West Nile virus in two different species of mosquito in the same town, Whiting. The state's now identified three pools of deadly mosquitoes.

Judith Cloutier and her husband live across from a swamp in Whiting. Over the last 40 years, they've learned to deal with mosquitoes, which thrive in that environment.

"At dusk, we're in the house and when we think they're pretty popular, we'll stay inside," said Cloutier.

The couple said they have every intention to continue that practice. Health officials have confirmed mosquitoes trapped in Whiting two weeks ago tested positive for West Nile virus.

Erica Berl, state epidemiologist, said that's bad news, but it could be worse.

"My reaction was, 'I'm glad it wasn't EEE,'" said Berl, about when she was notified about the positive West Nile virus tests.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, is a more serious mosquito-borne illness. It killed two Vermonters last summer. EEE hasn't shown up in trapped mosquitoes this year yet, but Berl warns its season starts at the end of July/early August.

"We are not out of the woods by any means. We're really not out of the woods until we get a good, hard frost," said Berl.

As for mosquitoes carrying West Nile, health officials are encouraged because the disease found in Whiting came from two types of mosquitoes that don't bite mammals. Even so, Berl said that shows the virus is still present and that people need to be careful and take precautions.

Cloutier said she's especially weary of both deadly diseases.

"We're older and we both have heart conditions," she said. "We don't know if we get bit, if it'll affect us like that."

Berl cautions that mosquito surveillance isn't perfect, meaning more mosquitoes in Vermont could be carrying diseases.

She said EEE has shown up in deer blood in all counties in the state and that there's data showing West Nile virus in many corners of Vermont too.